Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Sink your teeth into Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders: a quick, golden, and absolutely irresistible meal that satisfies every craving for crunch—without a drop of deep-frying oil. These tenders have a perfectly seasoned coating, a juicy chicken interior, and a flavor punch from Parmesan and spices. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family dinner, party platter, or just a weeknight treat, you’ll be amazed at how delicious and easy homemade crispy baked chicken tenders truly are.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering everything for Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders is a cinch! With a handful of pantry staples, plus a couple of optional twists for extra flavor, each ingredient helps build that crave-worthy crispy texture and deep, savory taste and transforms simple chicken into a celebration on your plate.

• Chicken breasts or chicken tenders: Use tenders for ease, or slice boneless breasts into 1-inch thick strips for even cooking and the perfect tender shape.
• Large eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue that helps the breadcrumbs and seasonings stick to each strip.
• Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs): Panko delivers a super crunchy crust, while regular breadcrumbs give a more classic, even finish—both work beautifully.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds nutty, salty complexity and helps create a golden exterior when baked.
• Garlic powder: Provides mellow garlicky depth to the breading, infusing flavor in every bite.
• Paprika: Gives just a hint of smoky warmth and gorgeous color to your coating.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor with a mild, sweet onion note that complements the garlic.
• Salt: Seasoning is everything—don’t skip this for highlighting all the other flavors.
• Black pepper: A touch of pepper brings gentle heat and dimension to each tender.
• Olive oil spray: Just a quick mist ensures that golden, crisp exterior and keeps everything guilt-free.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

If you’re using whole chicken breasts, simply slice them into 1-inch wide strips—think pleasingly thick, uniform shapes that cook evenly. Chicken tenders straight from the package can go directly to the next step, saving you a little chopping time.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations

Set out two shallow bowls or pie plates. In the first, beat the eggs until the yolks and whites are nicely blended. In the second, mix together the panko, Parmesan (if using), and all the seasonings—garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This setup makes it easy to get assembly-line efficient!

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Lay your chicken strips out on a plate and sprinkle them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pre-seasoning the meat ensures the chicken itself is flavorful, even beneath the crispy crust, so don’t rush this step.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Dip one piece of chicken at a time into the beaten egg, making sure to coat it all over. Let the excess drip off, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, patting the crumbs on so they stick firmly. For those next-level crunchy bites, dip it back into the egg and breadcrumbs again for a double coat—totally optional but highly recommended!

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line your sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for fuss-free cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet—this raises the tenders up so hot air circulates all around, resulting in ultra-crispy edges.

Step 6: Arrange the Chicken on the Baking Sheet

Lay out your breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking surface, giving each one a bit of breathing room. Crowding the pan can cause them to steam instead of crisp, so make sure there’s a little gap between each piece.

Step 7: Bake the Chicken Tenders

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Just before baking, lightly coat the tops of your chicken tenders with olive oil spray—this step is the secret to that fried-food crunch, straight from the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders rest for a few minutes fresh out of the oven—this helps the crust set and keeps the meat juicy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, and mark my words: you’ll want to make an extra batch next time!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a little herbaceous zing. For true eye candy (and flavor!), try grating a bit of extra Parmesan over the top or adding a dusting of smoked paprika for a dramatic finish. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

The options are endless with Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders! Go classic with homemade fries or coleslaw, or keep things lighter with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. For a comfort-food vibe, whip up some mashed potatoes or serve over buttery rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the tenders and toss them into a fresh salad for crunch and protein, or tuck them into wraps and sandwiches for a hearty lunch. Pile them on a platter with assorted dips for a party, or even make mini sliders—kids and adults alike will snap them up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll hold up well for about 3 days, and while the coating may soften slightly, you can bring back the crunch with quick reheating (see below).

Freezing

To freeze, lay the cooked and cooled tenders in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container—they’ll keep for up to 2 months. This makes weeknight dinners (or spontaneous snack attacks) way easier!

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, reheat the tenders in a preheated 375°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, flipping once. If you’re short on time, an air fryer does wonders, too. The key is to avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free panko or other gluten-free breadcrumbs work perfectly in Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders. The crunch and flavor are just as fantastic, so everyone can join in, no matter their dietary needs.

Do I have to use Parmesan cheese in the breading?

Not at all—it’s optional. Parmesan adds a delicious, nutty richness, but if you prefer dairy-free or want to skip it, the tenders turn out wonderful with only breadcrumbs and spices.

What dipping sauces go best with Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders?

The sky’s the limit! Classic options like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce are always crowd-pleasers, but a spicy sriracha mayo or tzatziki can add a unique twist. Pick your favorites or set out a few for variety.

Can I prep the tenders ahead of time and bake later?

You can bread the chicken a few hours ahead and refrigerate it on the baking sheet. This even helps the coating adhere better, making your Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders even easier to make fresh for guests or family.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Always check with a meat thermometer—the safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest part; the juices should run clear, and the meat should be white throughout.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders at home, there’s just no turning back. They’re crunchy, juicy, and crowd-pleasing every single time. Give them a whirl in your own kitchen, and discover just how easy and fun homemade crispy goodness can be!

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